Free screenings, demos for seniors at state fair

Visitors age 60 and older get into the fair for $4 on July 31

Submitted story

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Aging will host the fourth annual “Well Beyond 60!” EXPO at the Ohio State Fair on Tuesday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held in conjunction with National Church Residences’ Senior Day, the EXPO is included with fair admission and offers nearly 2,000 square feet of free health screenings, wellness demonstrations and more provided by state and community partners. Admission that day is a reduced $4 for visitors age 60 and older.

“No matter your age or physical condition, there are choices you can make and habits you can adopt today that will help you be healthier and continue doing the things you love as you age,” said Beverley L. Laubert, director of the department. “The ‘Well Beyond 60!’ EXPO helps fairgoers explore the many areas of senior wellness and engagement that can lead to healthier, more fulfilling and more independent lives.”

EXPO services and demonstrations include blood pressure screening, falls risk assessment, computerized balance testing, vision screening, nutrition education, home adaptations and more. Partners include Prevent Blindness Ohio, Mount Carmel Health, The Ohio State University Extension, the Department of Veteran Affairs, Ohio’s area agencies on aging, and STEADY U Ohio and HEALTHY U Ohio initiative member organizations. New partners this year include Shawnee State University and Colerain Township Department of Fire & EMS

Returning this year are two free “Walk with a Doc” sessions that kick off from the EXPO tent at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and give participants a chance to get advice from and ask questions of a physician while they tour the fairgrounds. Fairgoers who attend the free Senior Day concert, “The Rat Pack Is Back,” at 12:30 p.m. will be treated to an “A Matter of Balance” falls prevention mini-workshop conducted by partners in the Ohio Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition.

For information about the “Well Beyond 60!” EXPO, visit www.aging.ohio.gov/wellbeyond60expo. For ticket information, directions and a full schedule for the Ohio State Fair, visit www.ohiostatefair.com.